Bizen-yaki Shu-Ha-Ri (Teacup)

This is a Bizen "Shuhari" (tea cup) by Kenji Takenaka, who transitioned from jewelry design to ceramics and studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki. It is an ambitious work that boldly incorporates techniques from Oribe and Shino ware while using clay from the Sabune region of Bizen, truly living up to the name "Shuhari" (tradition, breakthrough, and transcendence). The dynamic landscape created by speedy glazing matches beautifully with the white and green glaze tones. By "transcending" traditional Bizen, it gains a user-friendly quality that allows the owner to enjoy the subtle changes of the glaze. Original wooden box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipping)
Diameter 8.6cm x Diameter 8.4cm x Height 7.4cm Kenji Takenaka was captivated by the medium of clay and transitioned from his career as a jewelry designer. After completing the Bizen Ceramic Center program in 1986, he served as an instructor there for two years. He began studying under Jun Isezaki in 1988 and became independent in 1994. In addition to traditional tea ceremony ceramics, sake vessels, tableware, and flower vases, he also creates highly innovative works. Using an anagama kiln with both oxidation and reduction firing, he creates diverse expressions through changes in red, white, and black coloring and the texture of the clay. He has received awards such as the Okayama City Mayor's Award and the Prefectural Exhibition Award, as well as the Sanyo Shimbun Award at the Japan Traditional Kogei Branch Exhibition, and has had his work selected for various other exhibitions. He has held solo exhibitions in Tokyo, Okayama, Kurashiki, and elsewhere.